Mother's Healing Retreat: Comments from Participants

Hundreds of mothers who have lost children or spouses to terror have participated in the Foundation's Mothers Healing Retreats. These retreats are an innovative and systematic methodology that provides physical, psychological and spiritual healing for women whose children or spouse have been murdered by terrorists. At the retreat we create a unique nurturing environment for two days. Through art therapy, massage, yoga, and being together, women feel that both their pain and hope for healing are acknowledged. The retreats are followed by long term support groups that provide the women with the emotional support they need to sustain their healing process and channel grief into growth.

Below are some comments from women who have participated…

•  “I learned that there is still hope and that the light at the end of the tunnel has not extinguished. I want to thank you for bringing light into our lives. Please continue reaching out to every broken heart.”

•  “I learned that there is room for good things and that it is not the end of the world. Thank you for two most wonderful days!”

•  “I learned that life is stronger than death and one must continue and hope for the best.”

•  "I learned about my coping abilities and what does me good despite the mourning and the difficulties. "

•  "I learned that others suffer even greater mourning than me and that I would not want to trade places with them and I am comforted with what I have."

•  "I learned that I am capable of both giving and receiving and that I can speak of the pain."

•  "I learned that I am coping in a good way and that I am still in need of support, encouragement and coping tools but I can draw strength from the "trees" around me."

•  "I learned that it is possible to speak more freely than at home and that my pain is better understood here."

•  "I felt bonding, togetherness, that I am not alone in my mourning and that I am also capable of helping others."

•  "I learned how to cope with my everyday pain and how to go on."

•  "I received tools helping me to cope with my mourning and pain when in the beginning I rejected any kind of help and that I am not alone".

•  "I was able to rest, and felt support from the staff and the other women. Positive thoughts were formed, I met other bereaved mothers whom I wish to maintain contact with and who have given me of their time and patience."

•  "I particularly enjoyed meeting the charming Mrs. Sherri Mandell, a small woman who projects great optimism and strength. All the therapeutic staff bent over backwards to create for us a pleasant atmosphere, to ease our pain and lighten our loads. Thank you from the depths of my heart to all of you."

•  "Thank you so much for organizing this most wonderful retreat where heart and soul was invested and felt by all."